Breakfast withKieno Kammies

Parents and guardians need to pay close attention to children, and their ability to cope with the demands of school and their social lives, says parenting expert.

New school environments, friendships, homework, exams, and extra-curricular commitments can all take their toll on young learners in the second school quarter - so much so that it is dubbed the "suicide term."

Psychologist and Parental expert Dr Megan de Beyer says that teenagers in particular struggle to cope with the changes and pressures thrown their way.

De Beyer encourages parents to be directly involved with their children, and confront concerning moods and behaviours that could lead to self-harm.

Our teenagers need to learn coping mechanisms. We need parents that are engaged and stepping up with full commitment.

— Dr Megan de Beyer, Psychologist and Parental expert

De Beyer offered advice on how to build relationships with children amid the daily challenges confronting them, while callers shared their experiences.

Listen to the full conversation from CapeTalk's Breakfast with Kieno Kammies: